Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is 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 spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall.

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

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

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

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