Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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