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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"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 timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced 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 no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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