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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive 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 hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite 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, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited talks of an England return.

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

Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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