Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

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

His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

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 Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed 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 lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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