Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed striker in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top is two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind 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 said. "He's clever and a really good 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 popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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