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

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

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

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

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Analysts believe 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 long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

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

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."