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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England return.

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

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."