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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a just four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring run 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 never managed a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat 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 lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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