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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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

But, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled discussions of an England recall.

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

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "If he sustains 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, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."