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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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