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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

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

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.

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?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England return.

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

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

"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

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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