Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

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

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch 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 challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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