Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading 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, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

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

His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

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

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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