Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive 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 hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring streak sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

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

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

Analysts feel 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 considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."