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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring run puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."