Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

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

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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 put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

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

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality 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 little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."