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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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