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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed forward in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top is two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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