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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite 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 never managed a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented 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 keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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