Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top is two separate 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 Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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