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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole 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.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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