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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"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 natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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