Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

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

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

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

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the edge 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 out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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