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

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring streak sees 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 never managed a run of this length - his top remains two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with 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 maintain this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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