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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into 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 exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited talks of an England return.

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

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."