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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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