Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

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

However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak places him in elite 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 never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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