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

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

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

Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

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

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."