Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable 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 fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive 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 did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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