Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he is the hottest forward in England following netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced 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 shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel 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 considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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