Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years 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 previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

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

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

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