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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? 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 exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return.

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

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

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."