Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups 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 no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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