Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top remains two individual 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.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever 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 turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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