Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

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

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

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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