Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

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

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on 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 perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick 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 resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

World Cup Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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