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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the top 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 spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country 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 in shape 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."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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