Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him 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, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass 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 Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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