Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring run puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra 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 highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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