Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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

But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent 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.

Pundits note the tactical shift 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 some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

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

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

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

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