Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

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

However, a just four weeks on, he has become the most discussed striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest 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, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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