Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish 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 character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

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

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain 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 debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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