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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England return.

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

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

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

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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