Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled discussions of an England recall.

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

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

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

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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