Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading 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 stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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