Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

But, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup 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 successive Premier League matches.

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

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years 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 hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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