Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

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

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test 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 little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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