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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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