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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring run puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England return.

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

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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