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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence 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 this long - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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