Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

But, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

"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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

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

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."