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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive 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 was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited conversations of an England return.

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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