Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

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

But, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years 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 hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."