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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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