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

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked talks of an England recall.

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has 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 makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

"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."