Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive 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 hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

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

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring 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 level.

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," 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

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

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

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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