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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed striker in England following netting seven goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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 Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains 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, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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