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

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

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

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.

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

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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