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

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

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

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England return.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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