Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

His six-match scoring streak places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years 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 the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

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

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England return.

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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