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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

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

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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