Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to 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, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a classic 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 had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

However, 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 currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

"He also has the edge 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 specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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