Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

But, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains 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 supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

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

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