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

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself 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 division.

The England Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers think 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 said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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