Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring run places him in elite 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 this long - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

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 Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

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

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England recall.

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

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

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

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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