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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain 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 conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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