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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited talks 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.

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

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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