Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

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 blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind 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 perfect timing," the manager said. "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 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains 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 behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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