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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

However, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

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

And the only English striker to surpass 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?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

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

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."