Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England following netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

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

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," 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

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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