Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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