Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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 injuries in its closing stages.

But, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

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

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

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach 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."