Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts 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, which has given the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

"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."

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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