Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top remains two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."