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

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

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

A Remarkable Revival

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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