Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

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

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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