Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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