Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a just four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two distinct 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.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England return.

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

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

"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."

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

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

"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."