Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

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

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