Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest forward in England following netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring run puts him in prestigious company as only 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 of this length - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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