Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Observers 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 maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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