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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed 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 lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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