Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

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

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

"He also has the advantage 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 England manager decides to take.

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