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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

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 blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring run places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

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

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

"He looks as in shape 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."

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."