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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint 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 truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last 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 sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

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

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