Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

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

His six-match scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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