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

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional 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 experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"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 intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful 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 depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."