Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

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

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England return.

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

"He also possesses 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 national team coach decides to take.

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