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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division outings this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks on, he is 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, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable 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 hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," 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

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."