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

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring run places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions of an England return.

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

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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