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

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo 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?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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