Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains 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 incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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