Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

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

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"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 meaningful impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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