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

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

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

However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

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

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England return.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

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

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