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

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

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

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

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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