Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

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

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

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

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

Observers believe 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 while," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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