Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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