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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the most talked-about forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"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."