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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just 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 this long - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain 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 debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, 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 said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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