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

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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