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

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

Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable 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 setbacks in its latter stages.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

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

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

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

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

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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