Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge 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 major finals."

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

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."