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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic 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 persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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