Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most discussed forward in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented 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 form.

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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