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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked talks of an England return.

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

Analysts 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 remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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