Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

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

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

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

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

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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