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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top remains two distinct 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 has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think 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 considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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