Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the perfect 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 timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick 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 backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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