Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence 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 did not achieve a run of this length - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked discussions of an England return.

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

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."