Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

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 blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

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

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

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

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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