Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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