Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become 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, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass 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 is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

"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 conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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