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

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

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the hottest forward in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

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

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal 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 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 expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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