Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

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

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent 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 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided 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 typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front 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 get behind teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."