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

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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 latter stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage 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 makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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