Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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