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

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in exclusive company as just 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 this long - his best is two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass 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 Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"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."

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

"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."