Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

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

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

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

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

"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."