Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

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 hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

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

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England call-up.

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

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, 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 advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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