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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby 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 classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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