Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two individual 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 streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note 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, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."