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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top is two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory 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 difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

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

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for 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 keep up this level.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

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