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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only 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 remains two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went 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 this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

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

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains 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 supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."