Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two individual 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 streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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