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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

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

His six-match scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish 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 resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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