Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," 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, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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