Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the hottest striker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable 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 hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 lows. A test 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 hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

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

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

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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