Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

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

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree 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 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 just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick 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 persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

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

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