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

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

Yet, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak 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 aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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