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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest 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 spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better 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 hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

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

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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