Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

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

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as just 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 lasting this many games - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

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

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

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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