Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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