Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning 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 final stages.

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring run sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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