Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only 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 Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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