Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring run sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played 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 sustain this form.

"He looks as in shape 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."

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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