Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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 injuries in its latter stages.

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

His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive 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 of this length - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel 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 sustains 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 behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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