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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

But, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

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

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting 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 keep up this level.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

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

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive 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 select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."