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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish 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 test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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