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

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

But, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top is two individual 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 spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

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

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "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 as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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