Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest forward in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-game 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 of this length - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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