Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."