Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring run sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good 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 turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

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

The England Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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