Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."