Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

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

His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced 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 previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."