Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

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

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