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

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

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

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

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat 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 character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has 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 meaningful impact at a major tournament."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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