Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

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

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed 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 highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration 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."

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

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

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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