Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

Yet, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe 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 sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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