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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

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

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect 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 positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."