Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

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 better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."