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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a just four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie 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 Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good 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 former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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