Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

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

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach 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."