Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer 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 setbacks in its final stages.

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

His six-game scoring run sees him in elite 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 was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

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

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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