Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever 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 popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts 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 said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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