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

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

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

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"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 natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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