Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

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

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