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

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable 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 marred by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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