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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become 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, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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