Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England following netting seven goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for 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.

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

His six-match scoring run sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

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

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went 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 this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal 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 experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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