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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked discussions of an England recall.

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

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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