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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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 matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 resolve and I've persevered 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 "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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