Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

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

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick 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 hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.

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

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Competition

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

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

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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