Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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