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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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