Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

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

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

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

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains 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 supporting Harry Kane is intense.

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

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

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

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."