Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment 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 provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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