Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect 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 timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted 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 challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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