Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite company as just 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 longest remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has 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 textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England return.

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

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition 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 in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

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 the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."