Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

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

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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