Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division outings this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

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

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

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

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

Observers feel 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 long time," 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

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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