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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring run puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

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

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

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

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

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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