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

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

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 fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager 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 absolutely has a chance."