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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

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

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on 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 described it perfectly.

"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 instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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