Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on 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 latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

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

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."