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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England following netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo 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 has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager 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 absolutely has a chance."