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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following 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 counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring 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 maintain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also holds 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 could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."