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

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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