Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

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

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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