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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as just 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 of this length - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing 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 exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape 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

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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