Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory 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 this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect 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 penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick 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 resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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