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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks on, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal 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 timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

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

International Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate 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, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

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