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

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

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

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent 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 in shape as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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