Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed striker in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"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 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

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

World Cup Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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