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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling 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 finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

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

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked talks of an England call-up.

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."