Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

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

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

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

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England return.

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

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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