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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only 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 of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England return.

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

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

"He looks as fit 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, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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