Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class 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 made him a fan favourite at his former team.

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

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish 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 had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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