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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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