Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a just four weeks later, he has become the hottest striker in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith 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 "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "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 behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."