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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as just 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 longest is two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory 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 hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described 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 at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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