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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic 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 believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit 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 Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach 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 definitely has a chance."