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

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, 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 the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."