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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree 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 previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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