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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

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

However, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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