Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

However, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good 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 former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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