Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

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

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "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 established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return.

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

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."