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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a only four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

Yet, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring run puts him in exclusive 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 did not achieve a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical 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 persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."