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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak puts 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 did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling 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 archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

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

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."