Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp 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."

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

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