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

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era 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 latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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