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

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played 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 maintain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare 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."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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