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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, 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 selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."