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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

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

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

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

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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