Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined 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.

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."