Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up.

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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