Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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