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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

However, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring run sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

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

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

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."