Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing 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 flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits feel 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 long time," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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