Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as only 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 of this length - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever 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 popular figure at his former team.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical 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 hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Observers think 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 long time," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."