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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

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

A Stunning 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 blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass 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?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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