Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

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 blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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