Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

However, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured 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 had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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