Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to 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.

However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo 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 difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter 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 exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic 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 persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

"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 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 selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."