Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

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

An Impressive Resurgence

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

However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring streak places him in elite 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 did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional 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 test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

"He also possesses 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 take.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."