Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

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

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

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

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent 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 timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical 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 now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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