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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring run sees him in prestigious company as just 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 top remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

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

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat 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 character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think 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 said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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