Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it 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 exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

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

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed 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 ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

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

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," 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 behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."