Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable 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 latter stages.

Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered 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 "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited talks of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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