Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

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

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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