Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive 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 fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring run places him in prestigious company as only 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 longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."