Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top is two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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