Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most discussed striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

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

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent 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 fit as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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