Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

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

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked talks of an England recall.

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

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."