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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in elite 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 this long - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run 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 succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "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 penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

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

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