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

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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