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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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