Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical 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 persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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