Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

But, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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