Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel 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 while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as 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 pace to test teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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