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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace 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 makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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