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 plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best remains two distinct 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 streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

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

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."