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

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following netting seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

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

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 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 league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

"He looks as sharp 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."

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful 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 include.

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