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

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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