Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the sole 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 the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good 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 turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return.

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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