Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading 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 stretch teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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