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

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

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

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

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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