Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

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 blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it 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 positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," 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 supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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