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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

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

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the only 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 Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall.

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."