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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in elite 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 did not achieve a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

"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."

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."