Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

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

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

"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 conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."