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

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

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

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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