Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

"He looks as sharp 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 Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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