Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart 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 beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."