Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in elite company as just 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 lasting this many games - his top is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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