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

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

However, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

However, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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