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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a only four weeks on, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole 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.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

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

World Cup Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."