Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

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

But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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 injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

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

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, 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 hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."