Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

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

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.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

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

"He is a traditional 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

"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 debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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