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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer 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 injuries in its final stages.

But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo 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 Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."