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

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

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

And the only English striker to better 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 Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

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

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

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention 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 continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

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

"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."