Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring sequence puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."