Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England following netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the pecking order, 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 stated.

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

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

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