Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite 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 did not achieve a run this long - his top remains two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited talks of an England return.

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

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

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