Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

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

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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