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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks later, he is the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent 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 long time," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."