Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

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

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has 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 flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention 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 maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

"He also possesses 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 specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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