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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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.

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is 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 run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted 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 downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled discussions of an England return.

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

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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