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

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

And the only 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.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading 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 stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."