Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

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

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