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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the sole 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 Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"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 natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve 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 rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds 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 significant impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."