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

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

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

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

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

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."