Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

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

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing 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," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts 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 while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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