Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he is the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

However, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak puts 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 of this length - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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