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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a mere four weeks later, he is the most discussed forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two separate 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.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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