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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak 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 described it aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key 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," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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