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

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought 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 signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up 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 exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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