Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

Yet, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent 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 made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed 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 highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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