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

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed 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 test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in 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 competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."