Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

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

However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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