Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer 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, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the only 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 Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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