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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

But, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring run sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through 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 backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one said. "If he sustains 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, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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