Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest attacker in England following netting seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal 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 positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses 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 meaningful impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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