Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."