Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable 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 blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."