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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class 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 beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."