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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

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