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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

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

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

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

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

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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