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

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top is 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 run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 test 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 hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration 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 maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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