Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted 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 highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall.

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

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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