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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England following netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring streak places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."