Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring streak places him in elite 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 never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."