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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest remains 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 streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift 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 exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

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

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