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

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

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

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

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 latter stages.

But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart 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 established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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