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

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge 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 hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

"He also holds the edge 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 take.

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