Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

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

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Question

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

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.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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