Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks on, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the statistics supporting 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 just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo 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 is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided 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 downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," 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, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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