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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

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 marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled discussions of an England recall.

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

Observers think 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 while," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."