Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick 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 mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit 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."

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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