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

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent 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 turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England recall.

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."