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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division outings this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory 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 difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat 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 expressed no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."