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

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

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

His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted 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 highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited talks of an England recall.

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

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test 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 may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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