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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

Yet, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the selection race, 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 said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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