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

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

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

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think 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 said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as 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 test teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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