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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England after bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

But, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal 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 nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."