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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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