Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

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 previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat 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 test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp 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."

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

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

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."