Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a just four weeks later, he has become the hottest forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby 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 typical centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."