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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better 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 hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."