Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring run places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest stands at two separate 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.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

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

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed 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 lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Question

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

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

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

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

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

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