Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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

But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch 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 test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

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

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

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

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