Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals 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 speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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