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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

However, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall.

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

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."