Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

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

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

And the sole 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 Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured 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 now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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