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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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 clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical 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 persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

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

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

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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