Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

Yet, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring run puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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