Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

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

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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