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

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape 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

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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