Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift 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 archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."