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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a just four weeks on, he has become the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

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

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

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

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

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

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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