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

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him 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 Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

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

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the perfect 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 positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced 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 now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."