Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed striker in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

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

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy 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 exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

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

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

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

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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