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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable 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 setbacks in its final stages.

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better 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?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."