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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most discussed forward in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

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

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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