Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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