Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

However, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."