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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

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

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted 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, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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