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

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

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

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

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."