Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory 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 hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

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

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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