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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring streak sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

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

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic 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 experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited discussions of an England return.

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

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

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

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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