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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

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

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

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Intense Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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