Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks later, he is the hottest attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains 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 versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

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

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