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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked talks of an England call-up.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."