Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is 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?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

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 take.

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