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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England following netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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