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

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest forward in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish 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 believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."