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

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

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

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," 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

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

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

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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