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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive 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 marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went 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 recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

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

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

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

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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