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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on 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 recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."