Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented 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 challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked conversations 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.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."