Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

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

A Remarkable Revival

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

However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, 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 outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic 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 persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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