Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

However, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."