Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class 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 popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."