Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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 fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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