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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer 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, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

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

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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