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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only 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.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted 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 highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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