Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading 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, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

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

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve 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 hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

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

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."