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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring run places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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