Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become 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, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

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

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled discussions of an England recall.

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

Analysts believe 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 while," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

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

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