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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring run puts him in elite 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 never managed a run lasting this many games - his top is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked conversations of an England recall.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

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

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