Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a just four weeks later, he is the most talked-about forward in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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 latter stages.

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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