Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer 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 spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

However, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

"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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."