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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England return.

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

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."