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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

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

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

But, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, 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 outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"He looks as fit 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 supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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