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

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning 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 marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

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

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

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

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good 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 turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic 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 experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups 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 voiced no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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