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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

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

And the only English striker to outdo 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 has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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