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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

His six-match scoring run places 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 of this length - his longest is two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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