Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England following netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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