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

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

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

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided 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 typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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