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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning 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 marred by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak puts 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 was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional 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 character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration 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 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 behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."