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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced 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 recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain 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 Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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