Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on 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 described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test 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 no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."