Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

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

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently 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 noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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