Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

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

A Remarkable Revival

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 setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring streak places him in elite company as just 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 lasting this many games - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak 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 latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

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

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," 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

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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