Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as only 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 lasting this many games - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class 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 popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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