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

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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