Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed 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 highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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