Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

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

Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

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

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him 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 enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

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

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