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

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England after bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he sustains 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 match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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