Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a just four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

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

His six-match scoring run sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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