Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

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

And the sole 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.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."