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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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 closing stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring sequence puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix 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 continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

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

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