Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

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

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

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

"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."