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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain 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."

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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