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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass 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?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class 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 fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."