Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

But, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England recall.

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

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."