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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass 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 the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test 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 complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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