Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite 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 never managed a run lasting this many games - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo 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?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured 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 this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain 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."

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."