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

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory 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 recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England return.

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

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration 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 conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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