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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly 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 provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England return.

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

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

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

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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