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

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix 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 sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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