Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a just four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

And the only 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 Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal 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 made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up.

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

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," 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 behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."