Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced 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 believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England return.

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

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

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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