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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "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 as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

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