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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

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

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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