Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure 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, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.

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

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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