Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained 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 at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited conversations of an England return.

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

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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