Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer 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, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring run sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve 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 hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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