Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

However, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

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

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

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

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."