Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

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 injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."