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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a mere four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured 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 believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England call-up.

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

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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