Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

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

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal 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 experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled discussions 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 previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

"He looks as fit 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."

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare 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 big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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