Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak 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 recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

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

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall.

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

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

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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 look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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