Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass 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 hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

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

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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