Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England after scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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