Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Conversation

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

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

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."