Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive 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 marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring run places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

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

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has 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 typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare 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 meaningful impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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