Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

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

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs 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 expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited talks of an England call-up.

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

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."