Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable 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.

Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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