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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

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

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.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart 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 popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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