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

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

However, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring streak places him in exclusive 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 longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

And the only 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.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

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

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

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided 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 textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England call-up.

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

Pundits think 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 said. "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 behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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