Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits believe 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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, 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 possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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