Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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 injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top is two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Pundits 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 commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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