Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become 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, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," 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 as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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