Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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