Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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 matches.

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

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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