Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited talks of an England call-up.

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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