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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

Yet, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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