Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

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

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era 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 tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. 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 hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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