Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading 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 period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."