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

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."