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

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

But, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring run sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter 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 flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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