Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

"He also has 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 could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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