Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he has become the most discussed forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."