Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest forward in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

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

The England Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers 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 remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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