Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

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

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

His six-game scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo 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 Scoring Form?

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

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

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

The England Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team 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."