Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

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

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one commented. "If he continues 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 behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

"He also holds the advantage 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 out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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