Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a just four weeks later, he has become the hottest striker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

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

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical 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 believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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