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

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a just four weeks later, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

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

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of 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 takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."