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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a only four weeks later, he has become the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked talks of an England return.

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

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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