Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo 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 Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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