Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish 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 test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

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

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