Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains 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 as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."