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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

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

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

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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