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

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Analysts 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 commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

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

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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