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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent 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 popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic 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 hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."