Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring run puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

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

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."