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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring run sees him in exclusive 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 was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

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

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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