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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest forward in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

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

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

However, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

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 only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak 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 described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test 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 complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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