Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only 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.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

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

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

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

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

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, 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 possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."