Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he is the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

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

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 put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

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

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy 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 flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

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

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