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

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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