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

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak sees him in elite 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 of this length - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"He looks as in shape 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

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

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

"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."