Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."