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

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

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better 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 Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

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

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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