Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring run sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at 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 spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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