Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick 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 test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

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

The England Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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