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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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.

Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era 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 difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained 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 beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted 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 ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, 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 advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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