Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top is two distinct 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 difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed 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 downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

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

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."