Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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