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

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring run puts 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 of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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