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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever 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.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

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

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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