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

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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 supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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