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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind 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 stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts highlight 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 additional 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

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

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be 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 includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."