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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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