Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as 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 period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

"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 conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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