Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best is two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

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

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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