Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

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

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring run puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through 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 had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England return.

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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