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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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 statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into 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 neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

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

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

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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