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

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the hottest striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"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."

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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