Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better 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 has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented 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 lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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