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

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest remains two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

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

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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