Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional 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 downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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