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

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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