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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

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

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

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

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

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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