Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds 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 finals."

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

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