Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

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

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent 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 penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

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

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