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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

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

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."