Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed striker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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