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

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring streak places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive 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 streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "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 behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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