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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

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

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

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead 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 get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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