Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

However, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass 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 Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."