Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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 setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

Observers believe 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 commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

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

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