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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest forward in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "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 box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited conversations of an England recall.

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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