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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick 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 persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel 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 sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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