Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

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

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited discussions of an England call-up.

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

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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