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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"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 edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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