Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run 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 succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled discussions of an England return.

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

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."