Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

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 fitness issues in its final stages.

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

His six-game scoring sequence puts 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 was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."