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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England following netting seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

"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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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