Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive 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 hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited discussions of an England return.

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."