Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

But, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as just 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 best remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

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

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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