Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he has become the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

Yet, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic 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 persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

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

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."