Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory 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 hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

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

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

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

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited talks of an England recall.

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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