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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable 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 marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class 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 fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

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

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