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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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