Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

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

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

His six-match scoring run puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best remains two distinct 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 Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked discussions of an England return.

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

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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