Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

His six-match scoring run places him in prestigious 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 individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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