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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole 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 Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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