Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer 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 stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality 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, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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