Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed striker in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

"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 instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

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

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

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

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."