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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"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 natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch 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 mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

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 select.

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