Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

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

His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

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

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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