Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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