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

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

But, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic 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 persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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