Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

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

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

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

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