Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring run sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

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

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