Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

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

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

"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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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