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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."