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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading 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, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."