Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England following netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted 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 lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel 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 long time," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."