Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

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

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

Observers think the striker will be in consideration 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 maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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