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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought 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 signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious 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 best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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