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

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

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

The England Dilemma

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 represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses 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 decisive impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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