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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

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

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"He looks as sharp 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."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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