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

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled talks of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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