Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

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

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

But, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best remains two individual 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.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra 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 experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

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

"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 conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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