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

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

However, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree 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 summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England return.

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

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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