Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

But, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring streak places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits believe 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 considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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