Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he has become the most discussed forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top 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, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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