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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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