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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

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

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