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

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks later, he is the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

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

His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

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.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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