Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

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

And the only English striker to surpass 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 Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

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

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

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced 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 backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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