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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable 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 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

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

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the edge 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 specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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