Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England following netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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