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

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues 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 two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

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

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."