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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

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

His six-game scoring run places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top is two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

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

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England recall.

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

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

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

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

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

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

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