Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

However, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling 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," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical 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 hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," 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

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be 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 test teams," it was noted.

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

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

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