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

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring run places him in exclusive 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 was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal 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 timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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