Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best stands at two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class 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 popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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