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

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"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 penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

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

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