Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

But, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled talks of an England call-up.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

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

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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