Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer 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 stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

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

His six-game scoring streak sees him in prestigious 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 was unable to produce a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on 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 the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal 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 downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

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

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