Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious 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 remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

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

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention 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 sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."