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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

Yet, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two separate 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 streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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