Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive 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 streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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