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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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

But, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "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 beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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