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

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained 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 instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

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

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

World Cup Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe 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 long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."