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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked talks of an England call-up.

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

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

"He looks as fit 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 Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the advantage 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 out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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