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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided 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 typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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