Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak 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 did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent 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 penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given 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 textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through 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 expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

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

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

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix 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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

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

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